The following chart depicts the planning steps as well as the NEPA documentation requirements for the EIS-level planning process. This process is used for the development of new RMP and EIS-supporting documents.

Develop Planning Criteria:

Planning criteria establish constraints and guides for the planning process; streamline the process; establish standards, rules and measures; set the scope of inventory and data collection; identify the range of alternatives; and estimate the extent of analysis. Preliminary planning criteria developed by the BLM can be modified through public comment.

Issue Notice of Intent (NOI)/Scoping:

Publish the NOI in the Federal Register, local media, mailings, etc. The NOI identifies the preliminary issues and planning criteria and provides for a 30-day public review and comment period. This is also the start of the formal NEPA scoping process inviting the public to identify issues or land use problems that need to be resolved. In addition to the Federal Register notice, solicit ideas through mailings, newspaper articles, public meetings, and workshops. Gather, screen and evaluate ideas from public, private and internal sources. Summarize the issues to guide the planning process.

Analyze the Management Situation (MSA):

Gather information on the current management situation, describe pertinent physical and biological characteristics and evaluate the capability and condition of the resource. This analysis provides a reference for developing and evaluating alternatives.

Formulate Alternatives:

Identify a range of reasonable combinations of resource uses and management practices. Develop reasonable alternatives that address issues identified during scoping and that offer a distinct choice among potential management strategies. Include a no action alternative.

Estimate Effects of Alternatives:

Select the Preferred Alternative:

The Field Manager recommends to the State Director a preferred alternative that best resolves planning issues and promotes balanced multiple use objectives. The State Director approves the selection of the preferred alternative along with the other alternatives under consideration.

Issue Draft RMP/EIS:

Publish the Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register, media, mailings, etc. The NOA notifies the public of the availability of the Draft RMP EIS and provides for a 90-day public review and comment period.